Know the details about power of attorney

On behalf of Doehring & Doehring Attorneys at Law posted in estate administration on Friday, February 15, 2019.

When Texas residents consider estate administration, they may think this job will begin once their loved one passes away. However, sometimes this job begins during someone's lifetime when a person serves as the power of attorney.

A power of attorney has a wide range of responsibilities. According to the National Caregivers Library, a power of attorney might make choices about the kind of healthcare a person receives, as well as day-to-day financial decisions. This person may also decide when an elderly person needs a guardian. Someone usually serves in this position once an individual is no longer able to make these kinds of decisions unaided. This means that someone may be the power of attorney for an elderly parent.

When someone becomes the power of attorney for an aging parent, he or she may worry what will happen if other family members disagree about who should serve in this capacity and what kind of choices need to be made. It is a good idea for people to take steps which demonstrate why a certain family member is the power of attorney. People may want to sign the relevant documents in front of numerous people so an entire family agrees that the document is valid, and they might also want an elderly family member to see a doctor so everyone knows this person was of sound mind when he or she chose a power of attorney.

Some people may wonder if their duties as power of attorney might expire. The American Bar Association says that once someone signs this document, it is usually valid unless he or she decides to change the terms. Additionally, it is important for people to understand that changes in their living situations do not necessarily affect the terms of a power of attorney document. If someone becomes the power of attorney for an elderly parent, he or she can usually still serve in this capacity even after moving to a different area.

The use of the Internet or this form for communication with the firm or any individual member of the firm does not establish an attorney-client relationship. Confidential or time-sensitive information should not be sent through this form.